Supervised Treatment Orders: What Disability & Mental Health Professionals Should Know

When I first supported a client on the STO pathway, I felt completely out of my depth. There were terms I’d never heard of, plans I didn’t know existed, and a process that felt wrapped in legal and clinical language. Here is a practical summary of what I’ve learned - and what I wish I’d known earlier. 

Supervised Treatment Orders - Disability & Mental Health Professionals

What Is a Supervised Treatment Order (STO)? 

A Supervised Treatment Order is a civil order made by VCAT under the Disability Act (Vic), Part 8, allowing the detention or close supervision of a person with an intellectual disability who poses a significant risk of serious harm to others. 

Detention includes: 

• Being locked in any premises 

• Being constantly supervised or escorted to prevent free movement 

What Are the Criteria? 

VCAT must be satisfied of all five criteria under section 191(1): 

1. A history of violent or dangerous behaviour causing or risking serious harm 

2. The risk cannot be reduced by less restrictive means 

3. The treatment plan will reduce that risk and benefit the person 

4. The person is unwilling/unable to voluntarily comply 

5. Detention is necessary to ensure compliance 

What’s the Process? 

• Independent risk assessment (typically completed by Forensic Disability Clinical Services) 

• Treatment plan development by a PBS practitioner (cannot the same person doing the risk assessment) 

• Authorised Program Officer (APO) submits application to VCAT 

• Client must have legal representation 

• VCAT may approve an STO or ask for further clarification 

• Emergency?

  • An interim assessment order may be applied for without a plan if risk is imminent. 

What Support Coordinators Need to Know 

You may be asked to: 

• Coordinate assessments and ensure documentation is in place 

• Work with the APO and the Compulsory Treatment Team (DFFH) 

• Ensure funding approval for plan development (e.g., NDIS behaviour support) 

• Keep advocacy and legal supports engaged throughout 

What’s in a Treatment Plan? 

• Specific interventions, strategies, and risk-reduction pathways 

• Step-down plans (not just fade-outs) to reduce supervision/detention over time 

• Entered into RIDS, with supporting documents 

• Must be authorised and accompanied by a Treatment Plan Certificate when submitted to VCAT 

Challenges to Watch 

• Unclear or inconsistent funding pathways, particularly when it comes to covering the cost of risk assessments or developing a treatment plan. This can delay the process or create confusion among service providers. 

• Limited availability of appropriately skilled clinicians, such as independent assessors or behaviour support practitioners with experience in compulsory treatment planning. 

• Difficulties accessing advocacy services, especially in a timely manner, which can impact the person’s ability to have their rights upheld and voice heard throughout the process. 

Resources & Next Steps 

• STO Guidelines – DFFH (Feb 2024) 

• Review of STO Implementation – Final Report (Sept 2024) 

• OPA / VLA for legal and advocacy connections 

• Vic Gov Legal Aid - Disability Rights

  
  

Closing Thought: 

As SCs and professionals, we play a critical role in keeping the process ethical, accountable and person-centred. The system isn’t perfect, but by knowing how it works, we can better support the people within it. 

If you or your team are supporting someone through complexity, including Supervised Treatment Orders, and would like a specialist consultation or to learn more about our services.

Click here to submit an enquiry.

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